What should I replace first in kitchen remodel?

Author: Felicita Hermann DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Starting off right goes a long way to make a kitchen remodel successful. Besides having a clean start, another big reason to put down floors first is longevity. Think of the future. You'll run into more remodeling issues down the road if you put in the cabinets first.

In what order should you renovate a kitchen?

Time to remodel
  1. Determine where lighting, electrical outlets, sinks, and appliances will be placed and upgrade the wiring and plumbing to accommodate everything.
  2. Install insulation and drywall.
  3. Paint the walls and ceiling.
  4. Install the flooring.
  5. Install the cabinetry and countertops.
  6. Install the sink(s) and faucets.

Should you replace countertops or cabinets first?

It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)

Should you replace floors or cabinets first?

In most cases, the cabinets are installed before the floor covering but after the subfloor and underlayment. The floor covering or finish is usually cut to fit and butted against the cabinets, with a small gap between the two that is covered by nailing a shoe molding or baseboard to the bottom of the base cabinets.

What are the three most expensive items in a kitchen remodel?

In conclusion, a kitchen remodel can be a significant investment, and it's important to understand which items are likely to take up the most of your budget. Appliances, cabinets, and countertops are the three most expensive items in a kitchen remodel, but they're also the most important for functionality and design.

How to Plan a Kitchen Renovation Step by Step (From Experience of Remodeling 50 Kitchens)

What is the biggest expense in a kitchen remodel?

Part of determining that price of your kitchen remodel is the extent of your makeover. Your biggest cost investment for a kitchen remodel will usually be cabinets, which typically eat up 25 percent of your budget.

What adds the most value to a kitchen remodel?

The 5 Kitchen Upgrades That Add the Most Value to Your Home
  1. Add a Kitchen Island. ...
  2. Update, Paint, or Replace Cabinets. ...
  3. Upgrade Appliances. ...
  4. Replace Countertops. ...
  5. Add a Multipurpose Work Area.

Should I replace drywall or flooring first?

When you're hanging drywall and installing new flooring, it's usually best to hang the drywall first and then save the floor for last.

Does flooring go under appliances?

By installing flooring underneath your appliances, you'll avoid any gaps or transitions that can be visually unappealing. Protection: Another benefit of installing flooring under appliances is that it provides protection for your subfloor. Over time, appliances can leak or spill, causing damage to the subfloor.

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

As we mentioned before, kitchen floors need to be able to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, so if they were glued or nailed down, it would impede this necessary movement and cause damage to the cabinets.

Do you replace backsplash or countertop first?

Your countertops bear the brunt of the activity in the kitchen, and your remodel often starts with a spectacular selection. Marble, quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops are all popular choices that offer excellent benefits and lifespan, and they should be installed permanently before the backsplash.

Should cabinets be lighter or darker than countertops?

If it's a feeling of space, then the lighter of the two dominant colours should go on the vertical cabinet spaces, and the darker one on the horizontal countertop ones. If you want a more intense feel, flip that dynamic around.

Should I replace appliances before countertops?

All appliances including ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves need to be in place prior to installation process. After installation of countertops, final wall preparation can begin. Do not paint, tile or wallpaper areas above countertops prior to installation.

What month is best to remodel kitchen?

In general, summer is considered the very best time of year to remodel kitchen. However, because kitchens are an indoor job, you can choose to have the work done whenever it best suits your schedule.

What is the golden rule for kitchen design?

Rule 1: The Work Triangle

The "Work Triangle" - the triangle made by the stove, the sink and the refrigerator - should be compact enough that it allows convenient and effective circulation for the chef, but generous enough that two people working in the kitchen aren't bumping into one another.

When its time to renovate what comes first?

The first step in any home remodel timeline is planning. You need to have a clear vision of your home's appearance when the project is complete. This means sitting down and really thinking about what changes you want to make and your project budget.

Should you tile under dishwasher?

Always install the tile to the wall, under appliances, and cabinets. Good flooring could be in place for 20 years or more. In that time there could be water leaks, appliance failures cabinet damage that requires replacement, electrical problems that require cabinets to be moved, etc...

What comes first flooring or appliances?

You will also install flooring before appliances. Floor covering, or finish flooring, is the surface that you see and walk on—not the subfloor, or the underlayment—and can include laminate and vinyl materials or wood and tile options.

Do you put new flooring under dishwasher?

Yes, you should always put flooring under your dishwasher. Since dishwashers are designed to fit snugly under your countertop, this will make it much easier to remove without the need to lift it over a lip of flooring.

Should I replace floors or baseboards first?

Baseboards are typically installed prior to the flooring. For instance, baseboards should be installed first before laying carpeting. It allows for the edges to be tucked under and out of view. However, it's much easier and convenient for hardwood and laminate flooring to be laid first before installing the trim.

Should you replace floors before or after kitchen remodel?

What most builders won't tell you is that you can actually install either element first. However, a majority of the time, you can expect that the floor will be installed first because it helps you avoid having to cut and lay flooring around cabinets and appliances later.

Does plumbing go before drywall?

Here's a checklist of items that need to be installed before the drywall goes up: Electrical: All wiring and electrical boxes installed for wall outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Plumbing: Drain lines along with hot and cold water lines. Heating and Cooling: Any ductwork for room vents and air return.

How can I reduce the cost of my kitchen remodel?

A designer shares key areas where you can economize — and still get the kitchen of your dreams
  1. Go with ready-to-assemble cabinets. ...
  2. Keep existing cabinets if possible. ...
  3. Choose open shelving where possible. ...
  4. Consider alternative countertop materials. ...
  5. Keep appliances where they are. ...
  6. Look at different options for islands.

What is the most expensive part of a remodel?

CABINETS. The cabinets are one of the most attention-grabbing points of the kitchen, and that is why they usually cost the most of any part of a kitchen remodeling project.

How to negotiate price with kitchen remodel?

5 Tips for Negotiating Cost With Your Kitchen Remodeler
  1. The Kitchen and Your Home.
  2. Your Kitchen Contractor Should Assess Your Remodeling Plans.
  3. Labor Is Expensive — If You Do Some, You Might Save Some.
  4. Reputation is Everything: Does Your Kitchen Remodeler Pass Muster?
  5. Kitchen Contractors Get Second Opinions—You Should, Too.

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